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Senior Hurling Final - Eire Og v Ballyea

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“We Just Did Not Do Ourselves Justice”

Derrick Lynch The crowds may have been missing from Thurles last weekend but the roar from the Tipperary management and squad at the full time whistle almost made up for it. For Clare, it was a stony grey silence which mirrored the skies overhead while the heavy rain which started to fall did little to improve the mood. For a brief moment, Clare boss Colm Collins stood still with his hands in his coat pockets as he tried to make sense of the near 80 minutes of action which had just unfolded. By any standards, it was one of the most abject performances of his seven year tenure but yet in a manner befitting the strange world we live in, by his own admission, it was a game Clare almost stole at the death. “The ironic thing at the end of it all was that the game could have been stolen and stolen would have been the correct word for …

Derrick Lynch Chairman of Clare GAA Joe Cooney has confirmed that the 2020 Annual Convention will be held online on December 15 in order to comply with Covid-19 guidelines. The O’Callaghan’s Mills clubman is one of the officers who will not be seeking reelection to his position, having completed five years in the role. He outlined to the virtual November meeting of delegates that nominations for positions would be submitted prior to Convention, with a postal or delivery vote taking place once candidates have been finalised. The results of those votes will be announced on the evening of December 15. It is unlikely that a large volume of motions from clubs will be submitted, with a circular from Croke Park to each county stating that “it is advised that any matters that can wait to make them wait and remain conservative – 2020 is not the year to consider contentious motions”. Treasurer Michael Gallagher also outlined to the meeting that …

Joe Garry Colm Collins has had a few anxious moments, awaiting results from elsewhere over the course of the seven National Football League campaigns he has presided over. Thankfully the news has always been positive and the Banner have preserved their status, and in the 2016 instance, been promoted, on the back of same. A sprinkling of luck is always a welcome, and indeed necessary, ingredient along all journeys of note. I have never gone along with the line that we are better off in Division 2. We have, in this present squad and management, the ambition and talent to mix it with the big boys, but will only get to the top echelon when we are consistently good enough. In 2020, we weren’t and ultimately the final table cannot be argued with. In this year’s programme, the two best teams Clare met, were promoted, and both teams relegated, lost to the Banner. Of the three remaining sides, Clare lost …

Derrick Lynch Clare’s recommenced 2020 season continues unabated this weekend where a trip to Semple Stadium for a Munster SFC semi-final against Tipperary awaits. Colm Collins’s side come into the game off the back of retaining their status in Division Two of the National Football league, albeit after defeat to Armagh. With that goal now parked, all eyes are firmly fixed on the first step on the potential road to a provincial decider. Victory on Sunday afternoon would tee up a home semi-final against either Limerick or Waterford, but there is no one in the Clare camp looking past the challenge of the Premier. That includes Clare coach Brian Carson who is in his second year involved with the Banner’s backroom team. The UL Exercise Physiology lecturer feels that the competitive nature of their last two games leaves them well placed to take on the challenge that lies ahead. “Both those games were perfect preparation for Tipperary in many ways. …

After the decision to remove all second string teams from the All-Ireland Intermediate and Premier Junior camogie championships, it means that Clare’s hopes of silverware at adult level this year rest on Ger O’Connell’s senior side. They take on Dublin this weekend in a winner takes all showdown for a place in the quarter-finals of the championship, with Tipperary already safely through as group winners. Joint Clare junior manager Ann-Marie McGann looks ahead to that game along with giving her thoughts on the decision to bring their championship campaign to a premature end. It was a disappointing end for management because we had worked very hard but it was even more so for the girls because we really had a good chance. They put incredible work all year and we were training for nearly 12 months because that is how seriously we were taking the championship this year. There have been some rumblings from other counties about moves to try …

Derrick Lynch – Comment Clare’s loss to Limerick in last Sunday’s Munster hurling quarter-final means the wait for provincial honours goes on while the 2020 season now moves into last chance territory. That is it in basic terms but on a grander scale, it means so much more. It is not so much the manner of the defeat that raises serious questions, but rather the nature of it. Going on recent championship form, Limerick were always going to enter the game as favourites and while that can often count for little in derby ties, there was always a sense that this one was going to run to form. It is reflective of the general malaise that is affecting Clare hurling over the last few years, but the burning question is why no one has shouted stop? From the outset, let’s make it very clear that no one is questioning the time, effort or commitment of players and management who put …

The childish excitement as the team gathers before a bus journey to Thurles, the card game down the back or the quietness in the front of the bus or train. The buzz of the crowd as you pull in to the town and head over the bridge and see the stadium. The familiarity of some of the faces you see on the way and the usual gang that awaits before you enter the dressing room. But most of all, that feeling when you enter the field and it all hits you that this means something to more than just you. All of this was missing on what was an unusual start to the Munster championship. And unfortunately, from the couch, it came across like that. The game was played in fits and starts with Fergal Horgan’s whistle dictating it all too frequently to my dismay. The game tried to ignite a few times in the first half but failed to …

Derrick Lynch There are fears that the closure of sporting facilities as part of the level five Covid-19 restrictions will lead to young athletes falling away from their chosen disciplines. Under the current restrictions, underage GAA, soccer and rugby are all on the back burner while sports such as swimming and golf have also been deemed to be non essential for the duration of the measures. For promising athletes like Leana and Sam Liddane, it means that their sporting plans have ground to a halt for the second time in 2020. Leana, who is part of the National performance development swimming squad, also has one eye on the 2024 Olympic Games as part of the women’s relay team. Her routine is now disrupted with the closure of her training facilities, and her mother Christina outlined that this latest setback could have real implications on what comes next. “We were in the pool training on March 12 when everything shut down …

Derrick Lynch Munster SHC Quarter-Final: Limerick 0-36 Clare 1-23 The freakish and unpredictable nature of 2020 has been evident across all facets of life, but from a Clare point of view, there was a sobering feel of reality at the full time whistle in Thurles. It might not have been the same surrender that was witnessed in the Gaelic Grounds 12 months ago, but there was no disputing that the Banner once more had to play second fiddle to their slicker, more powerful neighbours. Going into detail about who scored what and when almost seems like a secondary concern when the nature of the defeat raises far bigger questions than who won the game. The reality is that Clare were competitive for the opening 35 minutes but much of that was down to the fact that Limerick were yet to press the clutch to even find second gear. When they did, there was a sense of inevitability as a run …

As I write, the anticipation of the new Covid restrictions hangs over the nation. The distraction of GAA this past weekend has been a God send. I hope with the introduction of rapid testing, like in Wexford last week, and GAA being ultra-cautious with all its match day protocols, that we will see more. Over the coming months, with the days getting shorter and evenings darker the discussion of games around the country will be a welcome change from the constant doom and gloom. Now, more than ever, the GAA will have to play an important role, even it is does feel strange heading into a Winter championship. In the year that was in it, I am extremely grateful that club got the opportunity to come first. I will honestly say I have watched more club games this year than any other. I am firmly of the opinion that hurling should never take over your life but I did feel …

Derrick Lynch Clare manager Brian Lohan has outlined that there is some concern surrounding the form of his side coming into Sunday’s Munster SHC quarter-final clash with Limerick. The Banner will finalise their team for the clash on Friday evening, with recent results in challenge games against Cork and Kilkenny providing plenty for Lohan and his management team to consider. Five goals were conceded in each of those games as Clare suffered defeat, and the Wolfe Tones clubman admitted that is something they are worried about. “We have had a few challenge games over the last few weeks and tried to learn a bit from them. We will know Sunday how much we have taken from those matches. In those games we seem to be leaking scores at one end and not scoring at the other end so that is a concern.We are where we are but it is not ideal. We got back in the middle of September but …

Preview: Clare v Armagh National Football League Division Two Round 7 The packed competitive nature of Division Two was never more evident than ahead of this weekend’s final round of games. As things stand, six of the eight teams in the division are all still in the hunt for promotion to the top tier, while four are still looking over their shoulder at the prospect of joining Fermanagh in relegation. From a Clare point of view, both fates are still on the cards but crucially, their fate in staying in the second tier for a sixth consecutive season is firmly in their own hands. The simple fact of the matter is Clare will cement their place in the division for 2021 with victory over Armagh, and it will come down to a plethora of results elsewhere to see if something more than that awaits. With all that to consider, the focus for Colm Collins and his management team will be …

Derrick Lynch For David Reidy, the wait to return to intercounty championship action has been longer than most. The Eire Óg sharpshooter opted to take a break from the county panel for the 2018 season in order to focus on his studies, which culminated in him securing a job in the marketing department of LIT. His return to the set up for the 2020 season was cut short with the outbreak of Covid-19 but with the championship now on the horizon, the focus is on the challenge that lies ahead with neighbours Limerick. Ahead of the start of the 2020 championship, Reidy feels there is still some trepidation among players surrounding Covid-19 concerns. He is happy that all efforts are being made to ensure that all involved are kept as safe as possible, but stressed that there is no room for complacency in those standards. “It seems to be a really mixed opinion to be honest and we saw that …

Derrick Lynch Tony Kelly will be hoping to carry his outstanding club championship forward into Sunday’s Munster SHC showdown with Limerick as the Banner look to get championship life under Brian Lohan off to the perfect start. The 2013 Hurler of the Year was in sparkling form for Ballyea as they reached the semi-finals of the Clare club championship, with attentions now turning to another battle with their Shannonside neighbours. Kelly, a teacher in St Flannan’s College, feels all precautions have been taken to keep the squad safe from Covid-19 and outlined his view that everyone must be on the same sheet to ensure protocols work. “Obviously there is concerns but from a personal point of view, I’m happy enough to play away. I feel that the times that we’re in, they’re incredibly strange. They’re unprecedented really. No one could have forecast this to come. I think the times that we’re in if some player didn’t want to play or …

Derrick Lynch Clare’s minor football season looks to be over before it began with reports breaking on Wednesday morning that all underage competitions were to be put on hold during Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions. Dermot Coughlan’s charges were to be the last Clare underage side to embark on provincial action as they were preparing to travel to Thurles to take on Tipperary in the Munster quarter-final on Saturday afternoon. The announcement of Level 5 restrictions on Monday evening led to much speculation as to what the future held for underage competitions with elite sport and intercounty action given the go-ahead to continue. Reports began to circulate on Wednesday morning that a Government official had confirmed that it was only senior level games that would be given the green light to continue after midnight on Wednesday, meaning the Banner’s trip to Thurles was left in jeporady. Speaking on Wednesday Coughlan, who is in his 12th year involved with Clare underage sides …

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Tones just shade 12 goal thriller

Minor C Camogie Championship Final Wolfe Tones 6-13 Parteen-Meelick 6-10 Wolfe Tones definitely earned their Minor C Camogie Championship breakthrough, having been tested to their optimum by a never-say-die Parteen-Meelick in what was a truly memorable decider in Fr. McNamara on Wednesday evening, Sharing twelve goals equally, supporters were not only afraid to take their eyes off it but even fearful of blinking in case they missed a goal. It was a compelling end-to-end contest that proved a superb advertisement for Clare Camogie as the standard on offer far exceeded expectations as both sides left everything out on the field in pursuit of some much-needed silverware. And yet considering the final scoreline, it’s perhaps difficult to believe that there were no goals at all until additional time in the first half. Indeed, injury-time in general appeared to ignite something special in these sides as seven of the twelve goals were scored in those added minutes, five of which arrived amidst …
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Can the real Inagh-Kilnamona please stand up?
Group of Death comes alive
Intermediate predictability dashed by compelling Group 4
Blues complete unprecedented clean sweep of underage honours

Intermediate predictability dashed by compelling Group 4

Intermediate Hurling Championship Round 3, Group 1 Clarecastle v Smith O’Brien’s at Páirc Micheál Uí hEithir Cratloe, Saturday 5pm, (Andy McMahon, Cratloe) They’ve met regularly in the Clare Cup and even the Magpies’ second string have battled Smith O’Brien’s but at adult championship level, this appears to be the first time that their flagship sides have clashed. It would potentially have been a heavyweight showdown if the Killaloe-Bridgetown side were at their 2021 or ’22 levels while it will still be a battle, the loss of key players to emigration for Smith O’Brien’s should mean that Clarecastle possess the better balance to shade matters and top the group. Verdict: Clarecastle Ruan v St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield at Crusheen, Saturday 5pm, (Jim Hickey, Cratloe) It’s only three years ago since St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield’s first team raided for five goals to floor Ruan in the intermediate semi-final. However, it’s a strong sign of the Parish that while their first team is now operating …

Clooney or not Clooney, that is the question

On initial viewing, the race for the Fr. Murray Memorial Cup (intermediate camogie) appears fairly straight-forward. After all, with all three semi-finalists from 2023 (Tulla, Whitegate and Éire Óg) and senior demotee Clooney-Quin split evenly between the two groups, the business end overtly looks clear-cut. Clooney-Quin’s senior experience along with negotiating their way to intermediate glory as recently as 2021 makes them the stand-out candidates, with Tulla currently ranking a close second having contested back-to-back intermediate finals, three if you include the replay in 2022 against eventual champions Clarecastle/Ballyea. They won’t want to see another mid-Clare side join them in the second tier but for Tulla, it’s all about learning from their previous deciders and leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of reaching the promised land of senior. Whitegate were beaten finalists to Clooney-Quin in 2021 and actually meet them first this Thursday evening at 7pm, in what is potentially a Group A decider in Clooney and the same …

Clare camogie power base is still in the East

Current kingpins Truagh-Clonlara and Scariff-Ogonnelloe may have switched roles last October after the latter’s two year reign but having clashed in the last three finals, they will be overwhelming favourites to do so once more come October 19th. It’s up to the chasing pack to alter that perceived narrative as with only the finalists seeded for this year’s race for the McMahon Cup, the groups initially appear a bit lopsided. After all, with three of last year’s semi-finalists (Scariff-Ogonnelloe, Inagh-Kilnamona and Feakle-Killanena) pooled in Group B, the fact that there are two business end berths means that one major contender has to fall at the group stages. Scariff-Ogonnelloe’s vast experience of three titles in the last five seasons makes them the forerunners to maintain their perfect group record as since bounding back to senior level in 2017, they have progressed to the penultimate stage at a minimum. That’s a seven year record that no other senior side in the county …

Doora/Barefield hit the ’Bricks for six

St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield 6-10 Kilmurry Ibrickane 2-13 Senior Ladies’ Football Championship Group A Round 1 It took free kicks to finally separate these sides in the Division 1 League decider but this time it was six timely goals that ensured revenge for St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield but also a major opening boost to what is unquestionably the group of death in this year’s senior ladies football championship in Gurteen on Sunday afternoon. Such a heartbreaking means of losing a final seemed to be channelled into Sunday’s display for the Parish who were never behind at any stage despite facing into the strong conditions in the opening period. Decisive first half goals through Roisin Fowley, Lyndsay Clarke and Aoibhinn McMahon kept wind-assisted Kilmurry Ibrickane at arm’s length in the opening period, with Chloe Moloney inevitably leading the charge with seven points in what was a compelling tussle with fellow county senior Siofra Ní Chonaill at 3-5 to 0-9 by the break The …

‘There was hurling in Clonbony before there was hurling in Sixmilebridge’

When Limerick referee Johnny Murphy blew his full time whistle at the end of what was arguably the greatest All-Ireland final of all time there was naturally a huge outpouring of emotion the length and breath of this beautiful County. For the people, especially the hurling fraternity, in places like Ennistymon, Clonbony and Kilkee there was also an overwhelming sense of pride as Miltown’s Conor Cleary and Ennistymon’s Cathal Malone walked the steps of the Hogan Stand. Heroes forever more to every Clare person, be they man woman or child, these two great warriors are now the proud owners of a coveted Celtic Cross medal and their achievements will no doubt inspire a whole new generation of children to pick up a hurley and dream of following in their footsteps. Sport has always been part of the DNA of the Banner and hurling has always had a massive following all over the County. In recent weeks the John Hynes Memorial …

The rocky road to recovery

The resilience shown by Clare hurlers Ryan Taylor and Tony Kelly to battle back from serious injuries has been lauded by team physiotherapist for the last three years, Shane Malone. While Shane has attended All-Ireland homecomings in his native Kerry following All-Ireland successes, he described last week’s welcome for the Liam McCarthy Cup in Clare as “incredible”. He will never forget the hundreds of Clare hurling supporters who lined the streets and rural roads to welcome the team home, which was a real “eye opener”. “The enthusiasm and love for Brian Lohan and the team is quite different from my previous experiences. I was very impressed by the volume of support out there for the Clare team. It shows the high esteem they are held within the county. “The response from Clare fans all year has been unbelievable. There is a great connection between Brian Lohan and the county and people respond when they like what they see. “The way …

‘A special day and a special win’ – Diarmuid Ryan

The relief; the jubilation on the field when it was all over; the calm and satisfaction afterwards as Clare left Croke Park secure in the knowledge that they’d be back in a few weeks time. These were the winning moods and personas displayed among the players as they went on their way after the glass ceiling of this All-Ireland semi-final stage had finally been cracked. A first All-Ireland semi-final win over Kilkenny since 1997 and only a second championship win over Kilkenny ever; a day of atonement for the most recent semi-final defeats against Kilkenny; an All-Ireland final day out to look forward to on July 21. “It’s a special feeling for sure,” said Diarmuid Ryan. “A special day and a special win but we’re going to knuckle down for two weeks and the All-Ireland final.” As he spoke the reset had already taken place – the hoopla had died down, with Ryan and the rest of the players being …

‘We grabbed it with both hands’ – Tony Kelly

It’s a measure of the standards that Tony Kelly has set in his 13 years as a senior inter-county hurler and of his star quality that despite being subdued for the first 45 minutes of the All-Ireland semi-final that he still ended up as one of the game’s most influential players. Doing the maths tells this story – no Clare player ended up with more than him from play as he top-scored jointly with David Reidy who had a huge game in the 61 minutes of game time that he got. And for the Ballyea colossus, who has slipped into the veteran classes almost unnoticed, his three-point burst down the long home straight of this All-Ireland was a crucial part of the power-play that ultimately swamped Kilkenny and left them shellshocked at the end. And you could say that this comeback was really kickstarted by Kelly, with his opening point being the first response to the Billy Ryan goal, which …

Dominant display drives Blues to record 26th Clare Cup title

Newmarket-on-Fergus 1-19 Inagh-Kilnamona 1-11 The victor wasn’t a surprise but the manner of Newmarket-on-Fergus’ 26th Clare Cup title certainly proved to be as the roll of honour leaders had a rather bloodless final triumph in Clarecastle on Friday evening. Bridging a six year gap to their last Clare Cup crown, it was an utterly commanding display when first responding to the hammerblow of an early goaled Inagh-Kilnamona penalty to outscore them by 1-7 to 0-1 in the second quarter and carve out a match-winning 1-11 to 1-04 interval cushion. Indeed, it wouldn’t have flattered the Blues had the half-time chasm been doubled as amidst their second quarter siege, James Carrig’s side passed up four glorious goal chances in as many minutes just before the recess. Niall O’Connor was outstanding at the back, Peter Power was equally influential at the other end while Stephen Casey was also hugely effectual when switched to shadow Inagh-Kilnamona’s talisman Fred Hegarty. This was an impressive …

Kearns’ golden goal secures Division 3 Hurling League title for the Parish

St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield 2-14 O’Callaghan’s Mills 0-17 It really doesn’t matter if you lead early in a match or are chasing the game for lengthy spells but what does matter though is who is ahead when it counts the most and that’s at the final whistle. On Sunday morning out in Tulla the men from the Parish epitomised resilience and got their just rewards for never surrendering when grabbing the lead for the only time in the sixtieth minute to practically steal a cracking league final that was played in a hugely sporting manner. It was two second strings but nobody who was in Dr.Daly Park would have guessed that as these two played out a superbly contested battle that ebbed and flowed throughout with the result in doubt right up until referee Pat Healy’s full time whistle. Level on six occasions it took a late late Conor Kearns goal to decide the destination of league honours. One could only …

Éire Óg go to town on the ’Bridge

Éire Óg 3-20 Sixmilebridge 2-14 There’s always a certain level of respect between clubs but sometimes there’s also a level of contempt that is evident for all to see. On Sunday evening this Division 2 final was practically over by the end of the opening quarter. The townies who would have genuine Canon Hamilton ambitions were going through the motions and without much exertion had eased to an eight point lead. Fast forward to the final minutes and after battling throughout the Bridge’s second team who will compete in the Intermediate Championship to their credit only trailed by nine. Gerry O’Connor’s charges are in complete and utter control with several tap over point opportunities but rather than take them they continually try to engineer another green flag to inflict more pain on their opponents. I suppose a series of high profile clashes between the clubs in recent years will have that effect and they did eventually get their third major in …

Clare set for Wexican stand-off

The distinctive stench of turpentine has permeated around the county in the last two weeks as slates have been cleaned and canvases blanked ahead of Clare’s senior hurling championship resumption in Thurles this Saturday. Following the heartbreak of a third consecutive Munster Final reverse to trophy hoovers Limerick at the same venue last time out, picking up the pieces has never been more important as they look to regather self-belief, confidence and momentum once more in the All-Ireland series. While earning the unwanted record of being only the second team ever to lose three Munster deciders to the same opposition was harrowing enough, the despondency surrounding the below-par performance made it arguably the most disappointing of all three provincial final clashes. After all, Brian Lohan’s side had exceeded all expectations to push Limerick all the way to extra-time in a Munster Final for the ages in 2022 while the Banner subsequently almost took down the champions in their own home …

Promotion the main prize for semi-final winners

Adult Football League Semi-Finals (Winner on the day) Cusack Cup Semi-Final Lissycasey v St Joseph’s Miltown at Lissycasey, Friday 7.30pm (Jim Hickey, Cratloe) Considering the seesaw form of these sides in recent seasons, it’s hard to believe that only three years ago, Miltown were Cusack Cup and Lissycasey were Garry Cup champions. All because both have been in the second tier since and are now vying for a pre-championship boost of attempting to dethrone holders Ennistymon in the final. Lissycasey were subsequently beaten finalists to Corofin in 2022, the same season that Miltown dropped to the second tier. However, having secured a first Garry Cup crown in 18 years twelve months ago, it would be a major jolt to qualify for the Cusack Cup decider once more. Meanwhile it’s 17 years since Lissycasey last contested and won their sole Cusack Cup title, a major carrot in itself this Friday evening as they look to make home advantage count. The sides …

Ballyea in a league of their Eoin after powerful finish

Under 18A Hurling League Final Ballyea 1-20 Sixmilebridge 1-11 A devastating finish saw Ballyea complete a remarkable 13 point second half turnaround to snatch their first ever Under 18A League title on the away soil of O’Garney Park in Sixmilebridge on Wednesday evening. Having led for the previous 30 minutes, the ‘Bridge seemed set for victory themselves when accentuating their 0-8 to 0-7 half-time edge with a goal after only 25 seconds of the restart as good play from Stephen Gavin was finished to the bottom right corner by Donal O’Leary. However, it was if subconsciously the home side assumed that the job was done as they would be sorely second best for the remainder as the defiant visitors outscored them by 1-13 to 0-03 in the final 30 minutes. Eoin Kennedy found his range from frees while the talismanic Eoin O’Connor provided the real spark to ignite Ballyea’s challenge when fielding a Dillon Killoughery delivery to cut in from …

900 million fans shows the popularity of volleyball

Volleyball is one of the most popular sports there is with over 900 million fans worldwide. That fanbase is growing all the time and the sport consistently ranks in the top five of the most watched global sports. At the end of the month Ireland will head to San Marino for the CEV SCA (European Volleyball Small Countries Association) Championship where they will face Scotland, Malta, Northern Ireland and hosts San Marino in the group stages. The Banner County have had huge success in the sport with the Senior and Junior All Ireland titles residing in the county courtesy of the Coláiste Muire and the Munster Thunder clubs. The strength of the sport in Clare can be highlighted by the fact that four Banner players will represent Ireland in the tournament. Amy O’Sullivan, Catriona Ní Riordan, TJ Sweeney and Maria Jones will all proudly don the green jersey in Serraville from May 30th to June 2nd. Three of the girls …

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